JOIN OUR TEAM

Reading matters.

Hi Potential Colleague,

I am so glad that you are interested in joining the WITS team.

We connect people across real and perceived boundaries. Cultivating relationships between diverse groups of people builds empathy and understanding. Together, we are a community of readers who find strength in sharing stories, and perspective. You are here because you are passionate about supporting Chicago’s young people and engaging in community. You want to share your love of reading and learning. You want to be part of a thoughtful, dynamic team that values collaboration and reflection.

We are the largest literacy nonprofit providing mentorship to students and professional development to teachers in Chicago public elementary schools. Our approach to promoting literacy prioritizes the goals of individual students, teachers, and schools so that their success is meaningful and lasting. We believe that all students - regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, citizenship, or ability - deserve the space to be themselves.

WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led professional development and volunteer powered mentorship programs. WITS recognizes that structural racism, housing discrimination, and resource disparities prevent school communities from reaching their full potential. We strive to use our funding, energy, and time to support students and educators in achieving their literacy goals. Each year, our combined volunteer and teacher professional development investments in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are valued at $3.4 million.

We know there are great candidates who might not check all the boxes in any one job description, or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself! We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, citizenship, or ability. WITS is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination. To provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at WITS will be based on the individual’s merit, qualifications, abilities, and WITS’ needs and resources. WITS does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotions, discipline, termination or any other aspect of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, military service or status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected status.

Working at WITS offers unlimited PTO, up to 4% 401k match, ~75% coverage of health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as parental leave.  This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change. Full benefits will be discussed upon hiring. Please note that the pay range is given on each position.

As you consider joining our team, I encourage you to check out our blog and our Instagram to develop a fuller picture of who the team is, what we do, and what we believe in.

Best,

Tena Latona, CEO

Meet the WITS Team

Who We Are

WITS (Working in the Schools) is the largest literacy nonprofit providing mentorship to students and professional development to teachers in Chicago public elementary schools. WITS’ approach to promoting literacy prioritizes the goals of individual students, teachers, and schools so that their success is meaningful and lasting. We believe that all students - regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, citizenship, or ability - deserve the space to be themselves.

WITS sets students on a trajectory for success by building critical literacy skills and developing positive self-identity through teacher led professional development and volunteer powered mentorship programs. WITS recognizes that structural racism, housing discrimination, and resource disparities prevent school communities from reaching their full potential. We strive to use our funding, energy, and time to support students and educators in achieving their literacy goals. Each year, our combined volunteer and teacher professional development investments in Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are valued at $3.4 million.

WITS connects people across real and perceived boundaries. Cultivating relationships between diverse groups of people builds empathy and understanding Together, we are a community of readers who find strength in sharing stories, and perspective.

What we expect of each other

WITS staff must adhere to our core values: Mission Focused, Accountability, Teamwork, Communication, Leadership:

  • Team members acknowledge that WITS is the sum of our parts and work holistically across program and development departments to ensure the success of the organization.
  • Team members set clear expectations, adhere to deadlines, deliver high-quality work, and provide and accept honest feedback; they take ownership of their own performance.
  • Team members support their colleagues on projects by understanding their role and being organized, prepared and proactive.
  • Team members communicate with timeliness, clarity, and appropriate frequency.
  • Team members assert and champion their own expertise.

Organization-wide requirements

WITS is a small organization doing big work and that requires team members to take on projects outside department or role-specific expectations. Examples of the type of work you will do include but are not limited to:

  • Writing blogs and creating content for WITS marketing and communications.
  • Supporting the WITS team in coordination of, as well as attend, after-hours events each year. Signature Events - Required Attendance - Blackboard Affair, Community Celebration, Annual Meeting, Rochelle Lee Teacher Award Showcase, WITS Talks, 1 Study Hall, December Board Meeting & Holiday Party, 1 Thank-a-thon.
  • Regularly updating and maintaining assigned WITS data and metrics.
  • Participating in professional development.

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. WITS encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

Open positions

Job Title: Foundations & Grants Manager

Classification: Full-time

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Purpose of Role: This employee will oversee the entire grants process for the organization and spend most of their time preparing and editing written content, including grant requests, reports, and development communications.

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